Style Blogging from Buffalo

Archive for the ‘Lifestyle’ Category

This June one of the Dandiest bars in New York City is set to open it’s doors and we could not be more excited. The Oscar Wilde Bar, named after the famous Irish author, is an extravagant Victorian-style bar which inspired by the life of one of the most infamous Dandy’s in history. Boasting the longest continuous bar in NYC (120 feet) and over $4 Million in design features, the Oscar Wilde Bar is sure to be a favorite among lovers of opulence and decadence, like Mr. Wilde himself.

Full of stunning ornate features, sculptures, portraits and whimsical hidden features (like the 26 clocks throughout preeminently set at ten to two, the time at which Wilde died), the bar will feature many of Oscar Wilde’s signature beverages, like champagne and absinth, over 300 types of whiskey and of course, Guinness. There is even a life-size statue of Oscar Wilde at the bar that patrons can buy a drink for. There will be no seats at the bar, since the owners want visitors to stand and talk to one another instead of looking at their phones all night, something we are 100% behind.

If you happen to find yourself in NYC this Summer, we highly recommend stopping by dressed in your Dandy best. Because as Mr. Wilde famously said: “Looking good and dressing well is a necessity.”

Check out the full of story (as well as some stunning photographs) about the Oscar Wilde Bar here.

Jack Carlson, author of the Dandy-favorite Rowing Blazers, has just launched his very own collection of rowing-inspired apparel line aptly named Rowing Blazers, and it looks AMAZING!

Comprised of classic rowing blazer styles and distressed shirts (all hand-made in the USA) as well as ties, belts, hats and wide range of vintage books and accessories, the collection blends classic ivy league style with a modern twist. The blazers have crossed-stitched latin motto’s hidden under the lapels, while the button down shirts have the same distressed look and feel as many of the blazers featured in Jack’s book. The tongue and cheek graphics used throughout the collection are spot on and I love the mixing of classic hip hop culture with vintage rowing books, pins and diving watches (more on that below).

As far as his inspiration behind the line, Jack has this to say:

” This collection is inspired by the traditions, myths, and rituals I discovered while writing the book Rowing Blazers. It’s also inspired by my collection of vintage blazers; my research in archaeology, heraldry, and classics; and my time at Oxford.

Today, virtually everyone owns a blazer. But few realize that the blazer has its origins in the sport of rowing. The original blazers-unlined flannel jackets with patch pockets, no vents and metal buttons-where the hoodies of their time. Everything about them served a practical function; even the loud colors were designed to help spectators tell which crew was which.

It was the one of these early rowing jackets – in “blazing” red – that gave us the word “blazer”. Early oarsmen developed an attachment to their blazers, and incorporated them into their daily dress on terra firm, where the were soon imitated by rugby players, cricket players and others. By the end of the 19th century, the blazer was s tape of any gentleman’s wardrobe.

Like the court liveries and armorial devices of medieval Europe, the street gang colors of Compton, and the patches and badges of the Hell’s Angels, rowing blazers are tribal totems. The are ceremonial vestments, worn to emphasize both community and difference: to impress, intimidate and influence.

Menswear is supposed to be meaningful,-every detail considered, nothing random. That’s how I approached this collection: meaningful, thoughtful, irreverent, cryptic.”

Take a look at some of the beautiful detailed shots and favorite pieces from his collection (which is already selling out) below. Seriously, this whole collection is fire. I want everything even though I’ve only ever rowed in Dragon Boat races. That counts, right?

Now I’m all for short shorts, button downs and pastels during the Summer, but this… this is something. Introducing The RompHim. Currently setting the internet ablaze with an overwhelming sense of “wait, are they serious?” the RompHim is looking to start a fashion revolution by basically creating a Romper for guys. Complete with a shirt pocket, adjustable waist, back pocket and a zipper fly, the Romper is exploding their Kickstarter goal after just one day. Sure to be a hit with Frat bros everywhere this Summer, I’m not sure if this is something we can get behind. But hey, fashion is all about risks right?

Fighting back every urge to call these “manpris”, one of the most daring trends out there this season for #menswear is the return of cropped pant. Brands across the board have adopted this style made popular, undoubtedly, from alt-leisure sweatpants and fellas looking to show of their kicks and perhaps a little ankle as the temps heat up. Many of the styles I’ve seen are cut like many of the latest high-end sweats, with a wider “athletic” fit in the thigh, dropped crotch and extra narrow leg opening.

The baggier fit I feel is essential to keep these from looking like you are wearing capris, which is why I decided to go a size up from regular when I picked up this 90’s stone washed pair from Abercrombie on the cheap. Good thing I did because from the sounds of things, this brand, which has been a guilty pleasure of mine since high school, might not be around much longer.

Thankful for warmer days ahead as it appears Spring is more or less here for good in Buffalo. Sadly, this means wearing less of the heavier-weight kimonos I’ve grown so fond of during the winter months. Thankfully H&M came out with this lightweight organic option as part of their Coachella Collection which I snagged during a recent trip to NYC.

Man, this heatwave has me itching to start some shopping for Spring… Luckily, I recently had the good fortune to spend the afternoon up at Saks OFF 5th in the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls to check out some of their latest offerings for Spring and select some of my favorite pieces for one of their upcoming publications. With this current spike in temperatures, now seems like the perfect time to check out some of the season’s hottest trends.

Saks OFF 5th Exclusives

One of the best things about many of the stores at the Fashion Outlets is access to exclusive brands you won’t find anywhere else in the area. This Basquiat collection from Eleven Paris is exclusive to Saks OFF 5th and is favorite of mine this season. Naturally I had to pair this jacket with a pair of paint-splattered pants.

Shore Leave

Military-inspired trends continue to be huge for Spring, with camo patterns and embroidered Bomber “Tour Jackets” being wardrobe essentials. Paired with a floral button down and causal sneakers, this look is perfect for wearing during the day or night.

Spring Break

What would Springtime be without Spring Break? Looking your best while you travel is always a must with Buffalo Dandy, and Saks OFF 5th has everything you’ll need to look your best while on Spring Break. Grab one of their handsome Cole Hann weekender bags and pair it with a brightly colored floral Bogosse button down, a Hugo Boss blazer, some white spill-proof denim and don’t forget the Alligator Loafers. Now you’ve got everything you’ll need for one unforgettable Spring Break.

A huge fan of abstract book covers from the 50’s and 60’s, Julian’s bold use of colors and geometric shapes perfectly capture this timeless era of design and are sure to be a favorite among design history buffs or any who appreciates an attractive tote bag. Although that fact that no one has started a tote bag company called “Totes McGoats” is baffling to me.

The bags are available in 3 sizes: 13×13, 16×16 and 18×18 .Pick yours up today!

For half a decade, an online community of #SpeedyTuesday fans has been steadily growing around the world. In tribute to these chronograph devotees, OMEGA has introduce a new Limited Edition model that blends some of the Speedmaster’s most popular design features.

The watch takes its first design influence from the original 1978 “Speedmaster Alaska III” model. This watch was produced for NASA, who insisted on a watch that was anti-reflective and easy-to-read in space. For that reason, the “Speedy Tuesday” has stayed true to these qualities with a brushed matt-finish stainless steel case and radial subdials with enlarged numerals.

In creating the dial, OMEGA has again taken inspiration from the past. This time, it’s the return of the “Reverse Panda” first seen in 1966. White opaline-silvery subdials are set against a black dial, encircled with a bezel ring and tachymeter scale in matt-black aluminium. There is a rare appearance of the vintage OMEGA logo and all markings and radial subdials have been coated with bright luminescent ink.

The movement is driven by the hand-wound calibre 1861, virtually the same which powered the timepieces NASA’s astronauts wore on the moon. Built with a high-grade rhodium-plated finish, it represents an important step in the Speedmaster evolution.

The “Speedy Tuesday” is limited to 2012 pieces, marking the year that the online trend began. Each timepiece is presented in a special leather watch roll containing a black and white NATO strap with #SpeedyTuesday engraved on the strap’s loop. The roll also contains a strap changing tool.

One of our favorite local businesses, Oxford Pennant recently launched their first ever pop up shop for the holidays called The Victory Gardens. Partnering with many of the brands which Oxford Pennant has worked with in the past, their small retail space is perfectly curated with an impressively wide selection of goods which fit perfectly into Oxford’s in-house motto of “A Cabin In The Woods”, or more specifically “something you would want for your cabin in the woods.” Full of outdoor, vintage-inspired goods like blankets, custom painted paddles (and hockey stocks!!!), travel mugs, bags, bottle openers, candles, cologne, patches, t-shirts, sweaters, an incredible blanket-lined denim jacket, Oxford Pin-ants, and of course their entire Pennant catalog, this pop up is a must-stop-shop for Buffalonians looking for unique quality gifts.

The shop is open Monday-Saturday from 12-8 at their 43 W Tupper St headquarters in downtown Buffalo. You won’t be disappointed.

It’s no secret that J.Crew is a favorite of ours here at Buffalo Dandy, so I am thrilled to announce that we’ve recently partnered with them to host a special Holiday Styling and Shopping Event at their Walden Galleria location! J.Crew will be closing their store for the evening so attendees can enjoy a private shopping experience with food and refreshments provided by the ever delicious Bravo Cucina Italiana. Naturally we’ll be spinning vinyl all night long and offering styling tutorials throughout the evening. As an added bonus, those attending will also get an extra 20% off their orders off of $125 or more. Something which, as we all know, is a pretty easy thing to do at J.Crew.

Holding an event like this at one of my favorite stores is a dream of mine since I started Buffalo Dandy so many years ago. I’m thrilled to invite all readers, fans of fashion, fellow bloggers, influencers, dandies, bon vivants, rakes, rascals, connoisseurs, shopaholics, family and friends to attend this event. Feel free to bring a plus 1 as well!

The event will be held Thursday, December 8th at the J.Crew Store in the Walden Galleria Mall from 6:00-9:30PM

Lifestyle blogging from Buffalo where I live with my beautiful wife, our adorable french bulldog, a son who has a penchant for wearing capes and a beautiful baby girl who is practicing to be a debutante.